Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Quick draw litigation

The American Health Care Association has filed suit again the federal government, challenging the prohibition of coerced arbitration agreements in long-term care admissions. ( https://www.ahcancal.org/Pages/Default.aspx) The lawsuit challenges regulations published in the new long-term care regulatory package (https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2016-23503.pdf).Providers use the arbitration to protect themselves against malpractice and business practices litigation. Providers think the malpractice system is a holy mess (which it is).Consumer advocates think arbitration is an attempt to deny due process to residents and families (which it is).U.S. businesses have increased the use of arbitration to avoid the courthouse and to deny due process to customers, employees, patients, etc. The push back is coming from the federal government.